IU DL C.J. West Has Suspension Lifted, D'Angelo Ponds Still Out for Targeting

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Big Ten has rescinded Indiana defensive lineman C.J. West’s first half suspension due to targeting in the second half of Indiana’s 42-13 win over UCLA. Indiana head coach made the announcement on his weekly radio show that West will be available for the full game on Saturday against Charlotte.

West was ejected from the UCLA game on the first play of the second half when quarterback Ethan Garbers dropped the snap and both players collided helmets when trying to pick up the ball.

West, a transfer from Kent State has started the first three games for the Hoosiers. He has made four tackles including a tackle for loss and a forced fumble as the anchor in the middle of the defensive line.

The second Indiana player who was ejected last Saturday was defensive back D’Angelo Ponds. He led with his shoulder and struck a defenseless receiver in the head and neck area in the fourth quarter. Cignetti did not say that his targeting penalty was appealed, so he will likely not play in the first half Saturday.

Ponds has been IU’s best corner in 2024 and started all three games. He has made 11 tackles and has two pass breakups In his place, Jamari Sharpe (1 tackles) and Cedarius Doss (2 tackles) could get the majority of the snaps until Ponds is eligible to return in the second half.

The Hoosiers kickoff against the Charlotte 49ers at Noon in Bloomington.